Safely Cleaning a Gun

Whether holstered or unholstered, make sure your firearm is performing to specifications. Holsters and handguns must be properly and regularly cleaned.Most problems firearms encounter are from dirty bores and actions when holstered.Gun powder can damage your firearm if not regularly removed before holster storing.Below are tips on safely cleaning your gun before placing it in holster. This will help insure your firearm will work properly when you grab your holstered gun for use.

SAFETY FIRST

Remove gun from holster making sure it's an empty pistol!Remove magazine clips and ammunition from chamber and store with holster.It never hurts to check more than once. A pistol that has been stored in a holster for long periods of time are subject to being forgotten if stored in the holster under the bed or in a closet.

DON’T DISASSEMBLE TOO FAR

After treating holster, read gun owner’s manual and go only as far as recommended. You should only need to disassemble far enough to reach the major components which need cleaning due to powder and residue build up.These will typically include the bore, chamber and bolt or action. Check for rust that may have developed during storage in the holster.

EXAMINE THE FIREARM AS YOU BREAK IT DOWN

While firearm is disassembled, inspect for worn components.You should also check for hair-line cracks, rust and signs of too much wear.If you find anything like this you should take the firearm to a professional gunsmith for repairs. If not stored properly, holsters can hold moisture and cause rust on your handgun.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING YOUR GUN

REMEMBER: CHECK THE CHAMBER FOR ROUNDS BEFORE YOU START!

1. Remove from holster and clean gun from breach end if possible.If not, don't “push” any debris down into the action of the gun. A muzzle guard protects “tip” from scratches or nicks.Muzzle damage will result in lost accuracy in shooting. Avoid extended storage time of holstered gun.

2.Use proper patch holder for the caliber of weapon.Soak patch with a factory approved solvent or copper cutter.

3.Run patch down barrel to saturate the bore of your unholstered pistol.Remove dirty patch from other end of the barrel.Let solvent “stew” a couple of minutes to break up stubborn lead or carbon buildup.

4.Pull “empty” rod back out of the barrel.Attach the proper brush to the rod.Soak the brush with solvent and run it up and down the barrel 4 or 5 times to scrub the pistol bore.Repeat with a new saturated patch until it comes out free of discoloration.Run “dry” patch through to remove remaining solvent.Check bore for debris and repeat if necessary.

5.Apply few drops of gun oil to new patch and run it through barrel to leave LIGHT oil film inside barrel to prevent rust during holster storage. (separate oil for holster leather).

7.Reassemble gun and wipe touched areas with lightly oiled cloth or silicone fabric.Wipe gun down to leave it with a “new” look. You are now ready to place you pistol into the holster for safekeeping and storage. Remember to clean holster.